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Box Blight?

MaSamMaSam Posts: 22
in Problem solving
 

Could someone tell me, please, if this is box blight or some other disease or infestation?  The bottom of the plant is affected the top is fine. Thanks! Ria

Posts

  • KeenOnGreenKeenOnGreen Posts: 1,831
    Can you send some close-up photos?  Are there any webs on the plant, or tiny green balls all over the ground below the plant?  If so, then it will be Box Caterpillar.  Hard to tell from your photo.
  • MaSamMaSam Posts: 22
    Thank you! Yes, there is some webbing and there are a lot of tiny balls on the ground around the plant.
  • TopbirdTopbird Posts: 8,355
    That is almost certainly damage done by the box caterpillar. There have been loads of posts about this over the last week as many of us (myself included) are experiencing  damage for the first time. Obviously a good year for the box moth / caterpillar😬.

    I am in Suffolk and most of the damage done in previous years has been confined to London and the south east. It is noticeable that the area where damage is being seen seems to be increasing this year. One poster is in Bath.

    Out of interest, whereabouts (roughly!) are you @MaSam?

    This is the final straw for my hedge which has suffered significantly from blight in previous years. I can't keep using chemicals to fight both fungus and insects so the hedge is coming out.

    Several other forum members are doing the same😢


    Heaven is ... sitting in the garden with a G&T and a cat while watching the sun go down
  • MaSamMaSam Posts: 22
    I am in Bristol. Sounds like it has spread. I just picked seven caterpillars from the plant, so yes it must be the box caterpillar. It is just one tall-ish bush, so will see if what it looks like after the winter??

  • madpenguinmadpenguin Posts: 2,543
    edited September 2021
    I would be taking it out now.
    A few caterpillars this year will mean hundreds next year!
    You cannot fight it.
    Best to make a decision sooner rather than later.
    “Every day is ordinary, until it isn't.” - Bernard Cornwell-Death of Kings
  • MaSamMaSam Posts: 22
    Thanks all!
  • MaSamMaSam Posts: 22
    If I take it out, can I put it in the green bin? I assume home composting is not a good idea?
  • TopbirdTopbird Posts: 8,355
    Can't see why it can't go in the green bin - mine will be. No different to a few sawfly larvae or snail eggs making their way to the composting plant. Presumably they'll all be killed in the heat generated by commercial composting.

    I wouldn't home compost - any remaining leaves take an age to break down.

    Heaven is ... sitting in the garden with a G&T and a cat while watching the sun go down
  • MaSamMaSam Posts: 22
    Ok, thanks! Sometimes I read the advice to 'burn' rather than compost. I can't quite imagine how to burn green stuff in my garden in my urban environment. 

    Thank you all again. This is so helpful. I will make a new post to ask about a troubled tree.
  • AthelasAthelas Posts: 946
    Hi @MaSam, if you’re looking for replacement topiary or low hedge plants, have a look at Euonymus japonicus ‘Green Spire’ or ‘Jean Hugues’

    The leaves aren’t as small and fine as box, but I’ve found they’re pretty good substitutes
    Cambridgeshire, UK
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